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Apple Releases New More Affordable iMac Model

Globe-New_MacsWhile WWDC came and went earlier this month with no new hardware announcements, Apple did finally announce on Tuesday the much-rumored more affordable iMac models.

The new iMac’s entry-level price point is $1,099 – a $200 savings off the $1299 previous base model from Apple. The key differences in the new lower-end iMac are:

  • 500GB vs. 1.0TB HDD
  • HD 5000 Graphics vs. higher-end Iris Pro Graphics
  • 1.4GHz Dual-Core i5 Processor with 2.7GHz single-core Turbo Boost vs. 2.7GHz i5 Quad-Core with 3.2GHz dual-core Turbo Boost

Our tear down and testing later today will confirm whether there is a difference in the factory memory offering as well. The memory is slotted in the $1,299 model, and Apple offers a factory upgrade option to 16GB on the $1,299 model (OWC also offers an aftermarket option to 16GB), but 8GB is the only option for the new low-end $1,099 model. The question is whether the memory is soldered into the $1,099 low-end model or is it still socketed – making it either a marketing choice by Apple to not offer a 16GB option or an actual new limitation.

New Price Point
With these new more affordable iMacs priced at $1,099, Apple seems to have missed out on the “sweet spot” price point of $999. And to some, the sacrifices may be too steep to justify “only” a $200 discount from Apple’s $1,299 models featuring a 2.7GHz Quad-Core processor. However, the discount may be substantial enough to users who are not likely to use a 2.7GHz processor to its full capabilities. The previous low-end iMac prices begin at $1,299 and are still available in the Apple Store.

What do you think of the new more affordable iMac models? Let us know in the comments section.

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The OWC Newsfeed provides the latest OWC, MacSales.com, Rocket Yard, and industry news, information, and announcements for your reading pleasure and shareability!
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3 Comments

  • Apple continues to remove or eliminate features and reduces the price minimally or sometimes not at all. Removing the hard drive to allow for a slimmer design and not giving us the option for a Matte display removed me from the buying public. I’ll continue using my old equipment.

  • I think the new model was designed solely to fill a $999 price point after a likely $100 “Education Discount” for schools. Bargain shoppers looking for more performance are better off purchasing an Apple refurb 2012 or 2013 iMac quad-core with a 1TB drive and 1 year warranty.

  • Affordable?

    Remember when a new 2000 model “gumdrop” iMac started at only $799?